Lionel Messi, Argentina's celebrated captain and record holder for both goals and appearances, has announced his retirement from international football. The 39-year-old conveyed that the decision, though painful, felt inevitable, stating, "I understand the time has come."
Messi, who led Argentina to World Cup victory in Qatar in 2022, has amassed 125 goals in 207 international matches. In a statement released via Instagram, he expressed that he had given his all to the national team and now felt he had "nothing left to give."